Player #75 for Aston Villa, Charles William Athersmith, known as Charlie Athersmith played as winger for the club in the outside right position. Charlie represented Villa between 1890-91 and 1900-01.

Charlie was born in Bloxwich, just 13 miles from the current Villa ground on 10th May 1872 and made his debut as an 18 year old on 9th March 1891.

Villa had signed Charlie from Saltley Unity Gas Depot FC and he went on to represent the club over ten seasons.

In his time with the Villa Charlie won 9 major trophies: 5 League Championships, 2 FA Cups and 2 Charity Shields.

Charlie scored a hat-trick in just his second game for Villa in the 6-2 thrashing of Wolves on 14th March 1891 and was soon described as “arguably the fastest player ever to have played for Aston Villa” and that not only was “his speed … legendary, {but he} formed a formidable right-flank partnership with John [Jack] Devey.”

Charlie played in 25 of Villa’s 30 games in the 1893-94 Championship winning season.

He followed that as an ever present in the 1894-95 FA Cup Winning team including the final hosted at Crystal Palace, London where Villa once again beat West Bromwich Albion, this time 1-0.

The following season 1895-96 brought another League Championship for Villa with Charlie appearing on 29 occasions which he followed up with another ever present campaign in the 1896-97 league championship winning season with 30 appearances.

That season also saw Villa complete a historic League and FA Cup double with Charlie playing every FA Cup game including the final at Crystal Palace, London where Villa vanquished Everton 3-2.

Charlie then made 52 league appearances over the following two seasons - 1898-99 and 1899-00 as Villa once again ran out as League Champions.

The Villa News and Record of 1st September 1906 paid tribute to Charlie:

“One of the fleetest right-wingers of his time. With a working partner he was well-nigh irresistible. Great at touchline play and centred with unerring precision. A trifle wayward and occasionally forgetful of what was due to the game. Played at his best when unruffled. In consequence of his speed, has been penalised for offside play times out of number by unobservant and sometimes incompetent referees. During a long career he has been of splendid service to his country and to Aston Villa. Possesses a unique record in international matches.”

Charlie’s final game for Villa came on the 17th April 1901 after which he moved to Small Heath.

Charlie played his entire career under the George Ramsay led Management Committee.

Charlie passed away in Oakengates on 18th September 1910 aged just 38.